The John Rigby & Co. was established in 1775 and has produced a variety of fine custom made shotguns and rifles from bird guns to big game rifles such as this. This rifle was manufactured in 1903 in 450EX caliber and in 1989 it was returned to Rigby in London where it was re-bored to 470 and re-proofed in the London Proof House. The powerful .470 Nitro express designed for large game such as a bengal tiger or an East African bush elephant. This rifle features a ramp bead front sight on a serrated solid rib with express two folding one standing leaf rear sight graduated to 300 yards. The left barrel is marked " SPECIAL .470 BORE BIG GAME RIFLE." while the right barrel is marked "FOR SPECIAL CORNITE CARTRIDGE & BULLET 500 GRAINS". The solid rib has the old English marking "John Rigby & Co. 72 St. James' Street. London". The breech end of the barrel and receiver are light border engraved. The barrels are a blue finish and all other metal surfaces are casehardened. The borders of the frame have the same simple scroll border pattern and the screws have a large floral splash. The back action locks are marked "John Rigby & Co." in the same gothic scroll that appears on the rib. It has a wedge of floral scroll engraving and also bordered with simple scroll and spiral pattern at the center of either side. The under lever action features the scroll border with floral flares at the screws. The forearm release lever is mounted at the front of the forearm and lightly engraved. The wood is a high quality deluxe English walnut checkered at the forearm and pistol grip. There is a silver plated initial inlay between the sling pin and the orange rubber recoil pad. This rifle was originally shipped to a Lt. Colonel W.N. Congreve in 1903 (copy of original ledger included). Lt. Colonel was a Victoria's Cross recipient for gallantry in battle. A copy of the Colonel's obituary also accompanies this rifle. Complete with the original case with makers label, cleaning instruction label and label verifying the caliber change in 1989, all affixed to the inside of the lid. Also the following accessories are in the case, nickel oiler, metal cleaning rod, sling, patches, three horn handled turn screws, a container with screw-on lid containing extra firing pins and an empty tin of "Special Cleaning Fluid". Measurements - Bore Diameter at Muzzle: both 0.47, Length of Pull: 14 3/4 inches, Drop at Comb: 1 3/8 inches, Drop at Heel: 2 1/2 inches, Cast: neutral, Toe: in, Overall Weight: 11 pounds 0.4 ounces.

Factory refurbished, the barrels, probably at the time of re-boring with all of the finish remaining and only slight handling marks. The frame retains 60% original bright case colors with the balance ( generally the underside) faded to a smooth silver gray. The locks retain 80% bright original case colors with the rear portion faded to a smooth gray. The company markings are mostly legible. The lever and trigger guard retain most of the bright original case colors with the rear portion on the trigger guard and lower tang having a smooth gray patina. The wood is excellent with a few overall scattered minor dings and handling marks and crisp checkering. The case is fair with all four corners on the lid broken, some heavy edge wear and scattered scuffs. The lining shows some minor wear and staining. The accessories are all very good or better.